Permitting and inspection are required before a solar array is allowed to produce electricity on the grid. Generally, local governments require solar installers to obtain a permit for rooftop panels before they can be installed. Following the installation, a professional from the local government will inspect the new array to ensure all safety codes have been followed. The utility will then connect the system to the grid, and it can begin generating power.
Local governments have different rules pertaining to permitting and inspection. Details and fees may vary across jurisdictions.
Why are Permitting and Inspection Important?
The permitting and inspection process ensures that a building is safe for solar panels and that the system is properly installed. However, administrative errors and backlogs can result in permitting delays. Therefore, improving the permitting and inspection process is crucial to reducing soft costs, which account for about two-thirds of the overall cost of residential systems. Learn more about solar soft costs.
SETO Research in Permitting and Inspection
SETO funds projects that work toward reducing the costs and administrative burdens associated with solar permitting. These projects include: